• My Erasmus Experience in Poland

During the last year of my undergraduate studies, I had the chance to spend a semester in Poland, in the city of Poznań.

I studied English at the university of Adam Mickiewicz (yes, it took me half a year to learn how to spell it).
I wasn't sure what to expect from that trip, but I wanted to try it out. I do not speak Polish, I have never really been passionate about Polish culture before and had no relation whatsoever to that country.

More often than not, when I ask people about their own Erasmus experience, I mainly hear the positive side. The friends, the parties, the easy classes etc. But the paperwork and the struggles during the first weeks when one can feel incredibly lonely isn’t often talked about. Erasmus experiences vary as much as there are students. To say that I had the best Erasmus experience would not be true. Did I however enjoy studying in a different university, discover Polish culture and get to know myself during a solo journey? Absolutely. I keep a great memory of this semester and am happy I decided to go abroad.

Poznań's location enabled me to travel a bit. I saw the beautiful Czech capital, Prague, visited the South of Poland as well as the North, where I was honestly surprised by the beauty of Gdańsk. Who knew that a small port city could be so charming? Be it watching a gorgeous sunset at the beach with a loved one, visiting the port and the local art exhibition, discovering “Hogwards-style” high-school buildings (a local student told me that’s how they call it), or having a good cup of coffee at the mall in the city center, Gdańsk is definitely worth visiting for a week-end.

Unfortunately, during my stay, Poznań was under construction (which explains the weird proportions of sky/buildings on most of my pictures). But it is still worth to see. I would recommend the central square with lots of truly excellent restaurants and cafés for every vibe and every budget. The Garbari street station is also quite enjoyable, as it leads to a beautiful French-style church, and for those who feel like taking a long walk, a large and modern shopping mall is 30 minutes away.
And oh yes! Be prepared to see mind-blowing churches.

Poznań is a student town. The city counts a lot of faculties and several universities. English is therefore usually understood and spoken, both by the local youth and naturally by international students. After classes, you can go clubbing. There are lots of different clubs in Poznań, from techno-rave parties to chill get-to-know each other nights. Here’s a tip: order flavored vodka (ideally combined with a pint) and you can pass for a local. You can also go see a football game and support the local team – the Lech Poznań team.

At the end of my stay in Poland, a part of me got used to living there. I did not leave without feeling sad. But I was also ready to move on to next adventures and...to the next chapter! A major downside of finishing your degree abroad is that you'e missing out on all of the fun with your friends in your hometown. And once you get home, everyone is already writing their own book.

Thanks to the author of this blog, who encouraged me to put my thoughts into words.

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